The origins of Villemaurine extend back to Gallo-Roman times when a building belonging to St Maurinus stood on the same spot as the present-day château. Centuries later, Moorish invaders developed the site, on the eastern slopes of Saint-Emilion, creating first Villa Maure (Moorish Villa) then La Ville Maurine (Moorish Town). The vineyards lie atop underground cellars, once used by the Moors as hiding places but which today mostly serve as barrel stores. The estate is unusual in favouring Cabernet Sauvignon over the more typical Cabernet Franc.